State wildlife officials say seven cow moose have been fitted with radio collars in the East Cabinet study area in western Montana.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks officials tell the Daily Inter Lake that they hope to acquire information on diseases, reproductive rates and calf survival for moose.

Agency technician Jesse Newby says 16 moose have been fitted with radio collars in the area so far.

The agency hopes to find out why moose populations are declining. That means there are fewer opportunities for hunters.

The moose in the study are tranquilized by firing darts from a helicopter.

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